LAKEWOOD, N.J. -- The BlueClaws and Philadelphia Phillies are pleased two announce an extension of their Player Development Contract (PDC).

With the two-year extension, the BlueClaws will remain the South Atlantic League affiliate of the Phillies through at least the 2016 season.

"We are thrilled to extend our relationship with Lakewood," said Joe Jordan, Phillies Director of Player Development. "They been outstanding partners of the Phillies over the last 14 seasons and we look forward to many more."

Jordan and BlueClaws General Manager Chris Tafrow formally signed the papers on the field in a ceremony prior to Friday's BlueClaws game.

The BlueClaws have been a Phillies affiliate since their 2001 inception. In that time, the team has won three South Atlantic League championships (2006, 2009, & 2010) and became the first South Atlantic League team since 1993-1994 (Savannah) to win back-to-back league titles.

65 former BlueClaws have gone on to play in the Major Leagues, with 39 of those players debuting with the Phillies. Ryan Howard was the first to debut, on September 1st, 2004, with his 2002 BlueClaws teammate Gavin Floyd debuting two days later.

"The partnership between the BlueClaws and Phillies has given BlueClaws fans the chance to see some tremendous young players on their way to big league success," said BlueClaws General Manager Chris Tafrow. "We are excited to extend our agreement with the Phillies."

Howard (2002), Cole Hamels (2003), and Carlos Ruiz (2001), all key players on the 2008 World Series Champion Phillies, played for the BlueClaws. Howard (No. 29) and Cole Hamels (No. 19) are the only two former BlueClaws players to have their numbers retired by the team.